United States Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights, Region V
233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60601
312.886.2359
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office
for Civil Rights (OCR), promotes and ensures that people have equal
access to, and opportunity to participate in, and receive services from
all HHS programs without facing unlawful discrimination. OCR also
ensures that the privacy of individuals' health information is protected
while ensuring access to care. Through prevention and elimination of
unlawful discrimination, and by protecting the privacy of individually
identifiable health information, OCR helps HHS carry out its overall
mission of improving the health and well-being of all people affected by
its many programs.
information pursuant to HIPAA's Privacy Rule. OCR also enforces Federal
civil rights laws, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws prohibit discrimination in
the delivery of health and human services based on such factors as race,
color, national origin, and disability. OCR's work presents complex and
challenging social, economic, scientific, ethical, and legal issues -
issues that affect the lives of all Americans.
Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. OCR Region V receives and investigates
numerous complaints annually from residents of these states alleging
violations of health information privacy rights and civil rights. OCR
Region V also provides technical assistance to health care and human
service providers, and conducts outreach to state agencies, advocacy
groups, and other interested organizations and individuals.
participate in all aspects of OCR's work, including investigating
discrimination and health information privacy complaints, researching
federal programs and policies, attending national meetings regarding
OCR's various program areas, and drafting substantive letters of
finding. Attorneys on the OCR staff will mentor interns and externs,
and closely evaluate all written work. OCR interns and externs have the
opportunity to do rewarding and fascinating public service in a
collegial and cooperative atmosphere, where individuals are encouraged
to share and benefit from the vast experiences and expertise of their
colleagues.
Interested students should contact the Equal Opportunity Specialist, Kurt Temple, at kurt.temple@hhs.gov or at (312) 886-5893.
Transportation: Can take CTA.
